Our special projects are proposed by social services, other support organisations, local charities or individuals. They may take the form of work, such as, for example, gardening for senior citizens or the handicapped, and decorating buildings, such as Sevenoaks hospital, or those owned by local charities.

They may also take the form of financial support for hard-pressed families or worthwhile projects managed by other local charities. If you have a suggestion that you would like us to consider contact us via the Contact Us page.

Only a flavour of our work can be presented here with five representative examples.

Hospice in the Weald

Sevenoaks Lions Club has provided financial support for the Hospice in the Weald since its inception. Indeed, we made a contribution to its building costs.

We purchased a lymphodema machine which helps treat women who have had breast cancer and a movement therapy machine which helps strengthen patient’s degenerating muscles and enables them to cope longer for themselves.

We donated awnings under which day patients can sit outside in the sun.

We provided a sophisticated reclining chair for the day room so that patients can sit comfortably.

We also provided computers with relevant software to assist in the management of the organisation.

The Edenbridge Scouts Group uses its minibus for transporting scouts to and from many of its activities. The Lions Club has contributed half the running costs of the bus this year. It keeps the scouts on the road and enables them to manage wider ranging projects.

Gardening/Painting

We help the elderly and handicapped maintain their gardens by clearing and tidying difficult areas.

We also create special gardens for disabled people and for organisations like Sevenoaks hospital.

We assist local charities and public organisations by decorating parts of their premises.

Ryder House

The Lions Club of Sevenoaks has made a significant contribution to refurnishing Ryder House in Tunbridge Wells which is operated by the YMCA and provides accommodation for 34 homeless youngsters. On average there are between 8-10 people from the Sevenoaks area (normally referred by Sevenoaks District Council) in residence.

The YMCA runs numerous courses and workshops to help these young people with basic cooking, management of money, self-esteem and job interview techniques. On average they stay at Ryder House for 13 months after which they are ready to cope with the outside world. Find out more on the Ryder House web site.

MacIntyre Care

MacIntyre Care provides learning, support and care for people with learning disabilities. In Sevenoaks it provides accommodation and support for nine people. The Lions Club has provided continued support for MacIntyre. It contributed half the cost of a summer house which the residents use as a communal space and later completely refurnished this area with solid, comfortable chairs and settees.

The Lions Club has also purchased twenty talking albums for the organisation. These are used to enable residents who cannot read to select their menu for the day or to do their own shopping. They can also provide more complex information such as how to make a will and how to report hate attacks. You can learn more about MacIntyre from its web site.

Life Skills

UK Lions owns a not-for-profit company, Tacade, which provides a range of books and games designed to promote the health and well-being of children and young people. They are intended to provide teachers and youth leaders with material for lessons or discussions on subjects such as; alcohol, citizenship, drugs, gambling, bereavement, sexual relationships and smoking. Sevenoaks Lions Club provides copies for local schools and organisations which deal with young people. More information can be found here on the Life Skills web site.